Paper roll holder and dispenser



May 23, 1939. L H. MccLlNTocK Er AL 2,159,443

PAPER ROLL HOLDER AND DISPENSER Filed April 20, 1937 Patented` May 23,1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PAPER ROLL HOLDER AND DISPENSERApplication April 20,

14 Claims.

This invention is a paper roll holder and dispenser having acutter orstraight edge member associated therewith, of a type used in stores forholding rolls of wrapping paper.

Among the more important features of applicants device is an improvedmeans for mounting and holding a roll of paper in the supporting member,novel tensioning means for the paper cutter member and additional meansof new design to enable an operator to readily remove and replace saidtensioning means. One of the advantages to be derived from the noveltensioning structure for the cutting member lies in the fact that thecutting member is held under consider- 15. able tension against thepaper roll whereby, when paper is being cut therefrom, the roll is heldsubstantially immovable during such operation.

More specifically, the novel tensioning means comprises one or more flatsprings, which can be readily inserted and removed without disassemblingthe holder proper. The fiat springs are preferably assembled in bundlesof two, three or four and by selecting the appropriate number ofsprings, the spring tension can be readily varied g5 in accordance withrequirements. Also the fact that these springs can be readily removedand replaced facilitates the renewal of the springs whenever they needto be renewed.

In the preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the cutter bar which isresiliently pressed against the roll of paper has a slight freedom ofmovement so that it will readily conform to irregularities that mayexist in the surface of the paper roll, whereby a clean cutting ortearing of the paper transversely is achieved in spite of suchirregularities.

Another feature of the invention is that the supporting standards orhousings are providedwith downwardly inclined grooves or recesses forthe axle of the paper roll, said recesses terminating in supportingsockets, whereby said axle rolls by gravity down these recesses andpositions itself almost automatically in said sockets.

Another feature of the invention is that the springs bearing against thesupporting arms for the cutter bar serve to support it in operativeposition, resiliently pressing it against the surface of the paper roll,or supporting it in an upward position, away from the paper roll, when50 a new roll of paper is being inserted in the device.

` Other details and advantages will be apparent from the accompanyingdrawing and more detailed description of the present preferredembodiment of the invention. In the drawing:

55 v Figure 1 is a side elevation of the holder and 1937, Serial N0.138,050

cutter having a roll of paper mounted therein;

Figure 2 is a side elevation having the roll of paper removed and beingpartly broken away;

Figure 3 is a front elevation partly broken away in the same portions asin Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view showing an elevation of a part of thedevice similar to Figure 2 with one of the spring members being removed;and

Figure 5 is a detail view of one end of one of the springs.

Referring now to the drawing, in which similar reference charactersindicate similar parts, the device is for the most part constructed ofsheet metal and comprises a rectangular frame member having a base lprovided with suitable apertures la to fix the same to a counter andvertical side members 2 attached thereto. A top member 3, substantiallyU-shaped in cross section, is joined to the side members to form a rigidframe. The top 3 is provided with apertures 3a whereby the frame may besuspended from the underside of a counter or shelf, if desired. Eachside member 2 has extending inwardly from one side thereof a slot 4having a widely flaring mouth adapted to receive an axle 5 whichrotatably supports a roll of paper. The axle is longer than the base l,extending beyond the outer sides of mem-i bers 2. The lower edge 6 ofthe slot 4 is inclined inwardly and downwardly whereby, when the axlesupporting the roll of paper is mounted thereupon, the same will roll bygravity into a downwardly extending socket or recess 'l arranged at theinner end of slot 4 which is the operative position for the axle.

An overhanging projection 'la is provided at one side of the recess 1 toafford a locking means for the axle 5 to prevent accidental removal ofthe axle from the recesses which extend considerably below the level ofthe edges 6 to form a seat into which the axle automatically and freelydrops when inserting the paper roll.

Extending parallel to the upper half of each of the side members andapproximately covering this area is a housing 8 having an inturned upperportion 9 integrally fixed to the top member 3. Secured to the loweredge of the housing 8 is a horizontal portion I0 having a foot Ilthereon secured to each side 2.

Since the housing 8 is spaced from each side member 2, with the axle 5being longer than the base I, it will be seen that the housings 8 serveas suitable stop members to prevent longitudinal movement of the axle 5.Even if the roll of paper and axle 5 are carelessly aligned in the slots4, the 55 axle will be automatically guided to the recesses 'I in viewof the fact that the lower edges 6 of the slot 4 are downwardly inclinedand the housings 8 will preventlongitudinal disengagement of the axlefrom the slots 4 or the recesses 1. This provides a relativelyfool-proof structure offering many advantages over a number of the priorart structures wherein hook-like arrangements are provided with noaligning means to receive and hold the axle for the paper roll.

Extending at right angles to each of the side members 2 are wings I2which cooperate with the housing members 8 to'form a substantiallycomplete inclosure.

Arms I3 are pivoted between their ends by .suitable trunnions I4 inbearings I5 stamped in the sides of the housing 8. The arms I3 at oneend support a cutter bar or straight edge I6 which may also be definedas a plate having a tearing edge. The opposite ends of the arms I3pivotally supportvrollers I'I for purposes to be explained. Suitablestub shafts or axles support these rollers which also serve to cooperatewith the sides 2 to prevent dislocation of trunnions I4 from bearingsI5.

The cutter bar I 6 is provided with bracket members Ilia extending atright angles thereto at each end. Each arm I3, at the end adjacent thecutter bar, is provided with a suitable aperture to receive a screw orrivet I3a.. Each bracket I6a is also provided with an aperture toreceive the screw or rivet I3a, these receiving apertures in the bracketand arm being in alignment and somewhat larger in diameter than thescrew or rivet I3a. The rivet or screw is loosely tted in said aperturesin joining the bracket and armto permit a slight amount of play ormovement between the bracket and arm. This construction will permit thearms I3 to move somewhat independently of each other, whereby thecutter-bar need not necessarily move parallel to the axes of thetrunnions I4. By such construction it will be obvious that ifirregularities occur in the paper roll, such as the diameter of one endbeing diierent from that of the other, the cutter bar will compensatefor such irregularity by automatically adjusting itself to the surfaceof the roll at all times. This is particularly true since each arm I3 isindependently urged toward the paper roll by a separate spring 2I actingon each arm.

Rigidly secured to the inner face of each housing 8'is an anchoringmember I8 provided with an upper fulcrum I9 and a lower fulcrum 20formed by flanges bent at right angles to the body of member I8. MemberI8 is spot welded or otherwise secured to the inside surface of housingplate 8. Arranged between these fulcrums and engaging the roller I'I isa spring element 2I consisting of a plurality of at leaf springs 22. Thespring element or assembly 2I is engaged on one side by the fulcrum 20and roller II and about midway between on the other side by fulcrum I 9.By this arrangement it will be seen that when the arm I3 is swung tomove the cutter bar away from the rollof paper the roller I1 will bemoved inwardly, thus placingA the spring 2| under greater tenSvI-l;

The tension of the spring assembly which is composed of a plurality ofleaf springs is quite great, being sufficient to hold the cutter baragainst the outer contour of the roll of paper whereby, even if the rollis irregular in shape, the bar will effectively engage the roll to holdit against rotary movementwhen paper is being torn therefrom. Thistension may be readily overcome, however, in unrolling paper, by pullingpaper from the roll in a direction more or less tangential to the rollat a point engaged by the cutter bar, This is somewhat the usual mannerin which paper is unrolled from a roll of this sort but most of theusual paper holders do not securely hold the roll against movement whilethe paper is being torn or cut from the roll.

Due both to the locking projection 'Ia and the spring pressure exertedb-y the cutter bar, the axle will be securely held in position even whenthe roll of paper is nearly exhausted and, therefore, much lighter.

The trunnions I4 are so arranged with respect to the upper ends of thearms I3 carrying the rollers Il that when the arms are raised to aposition above the horizontal, which will be designated as the uppermostposition, the rollers I'I are moved past dead center position of thetrunnions I4 whereby the spring elements 2| engage the rollers to holdthe arms I3 and cutter bar I'I in this elevated position whereby theaxle and paper roll may be readily inserted or removed.

The spring element ZI, which is composed of individual leaf springs 22,is readily replaceable by the following structure and in the followingmanner: Each horizontal portion II) of the housing which encloses thespring elements is provided with an opening 23 through which the springassembly or each individual leaf or the whole spring assembly may bereadily moved endwise, either to withdraw the spring or replace it. Theopening 23 is of such dimensions that a pair of thin-nosed pliers may beused to engage the end of the leaves which are disposed adjacent theopening in order to withdraw the same from the housing. The withdrawalor the replacement of the springs is most easily accomplished when thearms I3 are in the position shown in Figure 4 with the roll of paper andaxle 5 removed. In this position the spring elements are under leasttension andl are substantially unilexed, whereby they offer littleresistance in pushing or pulling them endwise past the fulcrums I 9 and2U.

In replacing the leaves or assembly in the housing, the springs, beingof substantially the width of the space between sides 2 and housing 8,are cammed against the innermost side 25 of arm I3 until engagement withthe roller I'I is effected.

As an alternative to engaging the ends of the spring elements by pliers,each leaf spring may be provided at the end thereof with a suitableaperture 24. Such an aperture might readily be engaged by a bent skeweror other suitable piece of wire with a bent hook on one end to effect aremoval of the spring.

In order that accidental removal or displacement of the spring element2| will not take place, the opening 23 is normally closed by asupplementary leaf closure member 26. may readily be formed from thinleaf spring material but need not be of nearly as sturdy a gage as thatfrom which the spring elements 2I are formed. The closure member 26 maybe readily removed from the lower part of the housing by flexing one endof the same upwardly over the upper edge of one of the wings I2 as shownin Figure 2. After removal of this member the spring element 2I may thenbe readily removed through the opening 23.

The xed frame members of the device may be secured together in anysuitable way, as by spot This member welding, machine bolts, etc., but,inasmuch as once the device has been assembled it need not bedisassembled even for the replacement of the springs, spot welding ispreferred.

While the present preferred embodiment of the invention has beendescribed in some detail, it should be understood that the invention isnot limited to thesedetails, but may be carried out in,l other ways, asfalling within the scope of the following claims.

We claim as our invention:

1. A'paper dispenser comprising in combination a cutter bar, arms forsupporting said cutter bar, a spring unit comprising a plurality ofcooperating flat springs and bearing against one of said arms forpressing the cutter bar against a roll of paper, the dispenser beingprovided with an aperture for the individual lengthwise insertion andremoval of said flat springs for varying the pressure of the cutter baragainst the roll of paper..

2. A paper roll holder comprising spaced vertical members having a slotextending inwardly from one side of each member and serving assupporting recesses for an axle adapted to support a roll of paper, eachmember having an arm pivoted thereto, each arm having a free endsupporting therebetween an element having a tearing edge, each of saidvertical members having a housing associated therewith enclosing aspring unit cooperating with said pivoted arms to urge said elementtoward the paper roll, said housing also serving as stop means toprevent longitudinal lmovement ofthe axle, each spring unit beingcomposed of a plurality of leaf springs, said leaf springs beingindividually removable and replaceable through a suitable openingprovided in each housing to vary the pressure of the element having atearing edge against the paper roll.

3. A paper roll holder comprising spaced vertical members having a slotextending inwardly from one side of each member and serving assupporting recesses for an axle adapted to support a roll of paper, eachmember having an arm pivoted thereto, each arm having a free endsupporting an element having a tearing edge therebetween, each of saidvertical members having a housing associated therewith enclosing aspring unit cooperating with said pivoted arms to urge said elementtoward the paper roll, said housing also serving as stop means toprevent longitudinal movement of the axle, each spring unit beingcomposed of a plurality of leaf springs, said leaf springs beingindividually removable and replaceable through a suitable openingprovided in each housing to vary the pressure of the element having atearing edge against the paper rolland each leaf spring having anaperture in the end thereof nearest the housing opening whereby saidapertures may be engaged by a suitable tool to assist in withdrawingsaid leaves through said opening.

4. A paper roll holder comprising spaced vertical members having a slotextending inwardly from one side of each member and serving assupporting recesses for an axle adapted to support a roll of paper, eachmember having an arm pivoted thereto, each arm having one free endsupporting an element having a tearing edge therebetween, the oppositeends of said arms having rollers rotatably mounted thereon, each of saidvertical members having a housing associated therewith enclosing aspring member comprising a plurality of leaf springs removably anchoredbetween two fulcrum members in each housing, one end of each springmember cooperating with said pivoted rollers on the arms, whereby saidelement having a tearing edge is urged against the contour of the paperroll at all times.

5. A paper roll holder comprising spaced vertical members having a slotextending inwardly from one side of each member and serving assupporting recesses for an axle adapted to support a roll of paper, eachmember having an arm pivoted thereto, each arm having one free endsupporting a plate having a tearing edge therebetween, the opposite endsof said arms having rollers rotatably mounted thereon, each of saidvertical members having a housing associated therewith enclosing aspring member comprising a plurality of leaf springs removably anchoredbetween two fulcrum members in each housing, one end of each springmember cooperating with said pivoted rollers on the arms, whereby saidplate is urged under tension against the contour of the paper roll atall times, said springs being under greatest tension when the roll ofpaper is largest, and under least tension and substantially unflexedwhen said plate is in its innermost position, whereby the springs may bereadily withdrawn from engagement with the rollers and the fulcrummembers through a suitable opening provided in each housing.

6. A paper roll holder comprising spaced vertical members having a slotextending inwardly from one side of each member and serving assupporting recesses for an axle adapted to support a roll of paper, eachmember having an arm pivoted thereto, each arm having one free endsupporting a plate having a tearing edge therebetween, the opposite endsof said arms having rollers rotatably mounted thereon, each of saidvertical members having a housing associated therewith enclosing aspring member comprising a plurality of leaf springs removably anchoredbetween two fulcrum members in each housing, one end of each springmember cooperating with said pivoted rollers on the arms, whereby saidplate is urged under tension against the contour of the paper roll atall times, said springs being under greatest tension when the roll ofpaper is largest, and under least tension and substantially uni'lexedwhen said plate is in its innermost position, whereby the springs may bereadily withdrawn from engagement with the rollers and the fulcrummembers through a suitable opening provided in each housing, saidhousings being provided with supplementary leaf closure members locatedunder said openings to prevent accidental removal of said springs.

7. A paper dispenser comprising in combination a cutter bar, armssupporting said cutter bar, a at spring bearing against one of said armsfor pressing the cutter bar against a roll of paper, and a housingenclosing said spring structure and retaining the same against lateraldisplacement, the housing being provided with an aperture for thelengthwise insertion and removal of said spring.

8. A paper dispenser comprising in combination a cutter bar, armssupporting said cutter bar, a flat spring bearing against one of saidarms for pressing the cutter bar against a roll of paper, a housingenclosing said spring structure and retaining the same against lateraldisplacement, the housing being provided with an aperture for thelengthwise insertion and removal of said spring, and removable meansclos-y ing said aperture tov assist in retaining the spring againstvertical dislodgement.

9. A paper dispenser comprising in combination a cutter bar, arms forsupporting said cutter bar, spring retaining members, spring units eachcomprising a plurality of cooperating at springs bearing at one endagainst said arms for pressing the cutter bar against a roll of paperand at the other end against a retaining member, a fulcrum approximatelymidway of each spring unit to tension same, the spring unit beingretained in place when under tension by its own spring action againstthe arms, the retaining member and the fulcrum, the spring units beingso arranged that in one position of the arms the tension on said springunits is relieved whereby the individual nat springs may be inserted orwithdrawn to vary theV strength of each spring unit.

l0. A paper dispenser comprising spaced vertical supports, an axlemounted in the supports for carrying a roll of paper, arms pivoted tothe supports, a paper cutting member extending between the arms at loneend thereof, leaf springs fulcrumed on the supports, one end of thesprings bearing against the arms at their ends opposite the cuttingmember to tension the cutting member against a roll of paper on theaxle. f

11. A paper dispenser comprising spaced vertical supports, an axlemounted in the supports for carrying a roll of paper, arms pivoted tothe supports, a paper cutting member extending between the arms at oneend thereof, a spring unit mounting on` each of said vertical supportsadapted to engage leaf spring units on opposite v sides thereof atspaced points, leaf spring units supported by said mountings andfulcrumed thereon by the engagement thereof as specified, one end Yofthe spring units bearing against the arms at their ends opposite thecutting member to tension the cutting member against a roll of paper o nthe axle.

12. A paper dispenser comprising spaced vertical supports, an axlemounted in the supports for carrying a roll of paper, arms pivoted tothe supports, a paper cutting member extending between the arms at oneend thereof, leaf springs fulcrumed on the supports, one end of thesprings bearing against the arms at their ends opposite the cuttingmember to tension the cutting member against a roll of paper on theaxle, the arms being adapted to swing upwardly against action of thesprings past dead centerV and be held thus by action of the springs whenit is desired to insert a new roll of paper.

13. A paper dispenser'comprising spaced vertical supports, an axlemounted in the supports for carrying a roll of paper, arms pivoted tothe supports, a paper cutting member extending between the arms at oneend thereof, leaf springs fulcrumedon the supports, one end of thespring bearing against the arms at their ends opposite the cuttingmember to tension the cutting member against a roll of paper on theaxle, the arms being adapted to swing upwardly against action of thesprings past dead center and be held thus by action of the springs whenit is desired to insert a new roll of paper, and a stop on the verticalsupports to prevent upward movement of the arms beyond the desiredpoint.

14. A paper dispenser comprising in combination a cutter bar, arms forsupporting said cutter bar, spring retaining members, spring units eachcomprising a plurality of cooperating flat springs bearing at one endagainst said arms for pressing the cutter bar against a roll of paperand at the other end against a retaining member, a fulcrum approximatelymidway of each spring unit to tension same, the spring unit beingretained in place when under tension by its own spring action againstthe arms, the retaining member and the fulcrum.

LYNN H. MCCLINTOCK. NEIL B. CURRIER..

